Following up on reports that the new Xbox 360 dashboard will no longer feature photo and movie sharing, Microsoft has confirmed with Shacknews that the software update will launch without the ability to share movies with other Xbox Live members.
However, the update will still feature online Photo Sharing functionality when it arrives as a free software download on November 19. The company explained that comments from Xbox senior strategist Rob Gruhl regarding the addition of Photo Sharing were hypothetical, meant to stress that the software is dynamic and can be easily updated.
The official Microsoft announcement of the new dashboard, commonly referred to as the New Xbox Experience, promised that a group of up to eight online friends could "watch a Netflix movie together, or share a slideshow of your personal photos."
Microsoft's statement regarding Photo and Movie Sharing follows:
"Photo Sharing is going to be available at launch.
"With regards to movies, the New Xbox Experience is a long term initiative, what we are rolling out in November is only the beginning! With the New Xbox Experience we will have the flexibility to roll out features and updates dynamically, unlike in the past where we were on a more biannual schedule. So, there are a lot more exciting features, including Movie Sharing that will be coming soon."
While this fact would not surprise me given Microsoft's Track Record, keep in mind that this is still a rumor; Shacknews referred to the comment only as "Microsoft", never releasing the name of the person who gave the supposed statement. That is one of the best features, so if it doesn't come with the launch, then it better make its way before next year. I mean, if it doesn't drop on the 18th though, no big deal: Who is going to want to watch a movie when they could be playing Gears 2
that will be greaaaaaat
